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Maldonado named Citizen of the Month

Eric Maldonado was honored as Town of Montgomery Citizen of the Month for May.

James Monahan, a senior at Chapel Field Christian School, played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes at the last Montgomery Town Board meeting to honor residents affected by COVID-19.

Posted
Wednesday, May 13, 2020 2:32 pm

By Connor Linskey

Eric Maldonado was honored as the Town of Montgomery’s Citizen of the Month for May during Thursday night’s Town Board meeting. He received the honor for his community involvement.

He is the chair-elect for the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, serves on the Board of Directors of Hospice for Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc. and is the foundation chairman for Inspire.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Maldonado and his business partner at Verizon Wireless, William Sestrom donated over 100 boxes to the Town of Montgomery Food Pantry. As co-owner of the Verizon stores in Montgomery, Newburgh and New Windsor, he has offered discounts to nurses, teachers and first responders during this difficult time.

Maldonado and his partner Sestrom want to help out in any way possible during this pandemic.

“We help out wherever we can. My business partner sits on the board for the Hudson Valley Honor Flight. So whatever veterans need in terms of delivering meals, rides and stuff like that [we are willing to do],” he said. “When an opportunity comes we act on it.”

James Monahan, a senior at Chapel Field Christian Schools, also inspired people during Thursday’s meeting. He played “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes to honor those who have lost their lives in the Town of Montgomery due to COVID-19 as well as community members who lost their lives during the pandemic who were not able to receive proper funeral honors.

“It was a beautiful rendition of a song that is synonymous with honoring those we have lost and celebrating their lives,” said Montgomery Town Supervisor Brian Maher.

Monahan is also an Eagle Scout in Troop 386 in Montgomery. He has played “Taps” during the Town of Montgomery Veterans Day Ceremony and the Village of Montgomery Memorial Day Ceremony each year for the last 5-6 years.